Townsville sailors Steve Brierley and Jarrod Cook support Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race cancellation

A group of Townsville sailors will spend their Christmas at home this year after the iconic Sydney to Hobart was cancelled due to coronavirus.

A GROUP of Townsville sailors will spend their Christmas at home this year after the iconic Sydney to Hobart was cancelled due to coronavirus.

The six sailors, including Steve Brierley and Jarrod Cook were preparing to depart Townsville for Sydney on Christmas Eve to participate in the 76th iteration of the famous yacht race.

It was announced on Saturday by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia the race would be cancelled due to the recent outbreak of coronavirus in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Steve Brierley, Graham Donnell and Jarrod Cook all crewmates on the Mayfair competing at the Sydney to Hobart Race

Mr Brierley and Mr Cook along with Leon Thomas, Andrew Torpelund, Rob Cordingley and Peter Webster would have made up half of the 12 crew members aboard the Roger’s 46 14m Mayfair yacht in the race.

Sail master Mr Brierley said the bombshell news was the right decision.

“There is a lot of disappointment among all boats but I think the overwhelming response is that it is the best thing for everybody,” he said.

“The last thing we wanted was to get halfway through the race and have Tasmania close the borders.”

Townsville sailors Jarrod Cook and Steve Brierley were looking forward to competing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race aboard the Roger's 46 14m Mayfair.

Sail trimmer Mr Cook had been preparing for the race all year and said the news was not unexpected.

“It was exactly what I expected without sounding negative,” he said.

“Hobart is such a demanding race physically and mentally and you have to be prepared no matter what.”

The duo said they would be working towards other national races in 2021 including the Gladstone to Brisbane.

Originally published as Townsville sailors Steve Brierley and Jarrod Cook support Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race cancellation